ISLAMABAD: Member of the Science and Technology Planning Commission Dr Samar Mubarakmand on Monday said that at least 1,000 megawatts (MW) can be generated out of Thar coal reserves.

Talking to a private news channel, he said that at least, $115 billion are required to materialise this project. He added that Thar contains 175 billion tonnes reserves of coal, out of which 1000 MW electric power may be generated for the next 30 years. To a question, he said that Thar coal project will become operational in December 2013 and bring prosperity in the country. “Pakistan has enough coal reserves that can provide electricity to the country for more than 500 years,” he said. He said that development work was in progress and the first 50 MW gasified project had almost been completed.

He said that the project was to cost Rs 8.898 billion with a foreign exchange component of Rs 5.847 billion that was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council last year. To another question, Dr Mubarakmand said that the success of the Thar coal project would lead to investment from leading international companies.